Eve's new role as Robert Knight's personal assistant started bright and early on Monday morning. She arrived at the Knight Company headquarters dressed in a tailored navy-blue pantsuit, her hair neatly pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She wanted to make a strong first impression, and her appearance spoke of professionalism and readiness.
Her first day was a whirlwind of activity. Robert wasted no time in introducing her to her responsibilities. From managing his calendar to preparing documents for meetings, Eve's efficiency and organizational skills quickly shone through. She moved through her tasks with precision, her hazel eyes scanning through emails and documents, ensuring nothing was missed.
By midday, Robert couldn't help but feel impressed. He watched as Eve handled phone calls, scheduled appointments, and even managed to arrange an impromptu meeting with a potential investor. Her calm demeanor and quick thinking were exactly what he needed in an assistant.
As the week progressed, Eve settled into a routine. She would arrive early, often before Robert, to review the day's agenda and prepare necessary materials. Her mornings were spent coordinating with various departments, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She handled correspondence with ease, her polite yet firm tone leaving no room for misunderstanding.
During lunch breaks, she often found herself sitting in the company's garden, a small oasis in the bustling city. It was a place where she could gather her thoughts and recharge for the afternoon. Her evenings were usually spent tying up loose ends from the day and preparing for the next.
Robert, on the other hand, found himself increasingly reliant on Eve. Her ability to anticipate his needs and solve problems before they escalated was a breath of fresh air. Yet, with each passing day, he felt a growing sense of guilt. Eve was clearly capable of so much more than just being a personal assistant.
One evening at the Knight family dinner, Robert couldn't keep his thoughts to himself any longer. Seated around the grand dining table, adorned with fine china and sparkling crystal glasses, he broached the subject with his family. His wife, Olivia, listened intently.
"You know, Eve Sinclair has been doing an exceptional job," Robert began, taking a sip of his wine. "She's incredibly efficient and manages everything with such ease. It feels almost criminal to have her in a position that doesn't fully utilize her skills."
Olivia nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard a lot about her. It's surprising, really. Why would someone like Eve need to work as a personal assistant? Have you considered asking Victoria about it?"
Robert sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I have, but I haven't gotten around to it. I suppose it's time I did. There's something about the whole situation that doesn't sit right with me."
Their son, Alexander, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. "It's worth looking into, Dad. Eve's situation is... complicated, to say the least. If there's more to the story, it's best to find out now."
Robert nodded, his mind made up. "I'll speak to Victoria tomorrow. Eve deserves better, and I intend to find out why she's here."
Robert Knight arrived at the Sinclair Estates, his sleek black sedan gliding smoothly along the gravel driveway. The grandeur of the estate never failed to impress him, with its manicured gardens and the sprawling mansion that loomed ahead. Dressed in a crisp gray suit with a deep blue tie, Robert exuded an air of authority and sophistication. As he stepped out of the car, he adjusted his cufflinks, preparing himself for the unexpected meeting.
Victoria Sinclair welcomed him at the entrance, her expression warm but laced with curiosity. She was a striking woman, her blonde hair elegantly styled into a chignon, and she wore a tailored burgundy dress that accentuated her slender figure. The pearls around her neck and the matching earrings glinted in the afternoon sun.
"Robert, what a pleasant surprise!" she greeted him, her smile genuine but tinged with surprise. "I hope everything is well with our investments?"
Robert dismissed her concern with a wave of his hand. "No, no, the investments are fine. I'm here to talk about Eve."
Victoria's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Eve? She's not in town at the moment. She had other matters to attend to."
Robert's expression grew serious. "That's odd, considering she's been working for me for the past week."
Victoria visibly paled, her eyes widening in shock. "Working for you? Is she alright?"
Robert nodded slowly, studying her reaction. "She's fine, Victoria. But I need to understand what's going on."
Victoria sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly as she motioned for Robert to follow her inside. They walked through the grand foyer, the marble floors echoing their footsteps, and into a lavish sitting room adorned with antique furniture and rich tapestries.
"Eve was adopted," Victoria began, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and resolve. "According to our family tradition, only a biological descendant can inherit the Sinclair estate. Claire is the rightful heir."
Robert's brow furrowed, his blue eyes piercing into Victoria's. "But why was this kept a secret? Eve's father, Jonathan, was a close friend of mine. I never knew about the adoption."
Victoria's gaze softened with a hint of sorrow. "We kept it a secret because that's what Jonathan and his wife wanted. They didn't want Eve to feel different or less a part of the family. But when the time came, traditions had to be upheld. Eve decided to move out when she learned the truth."
"Please, have a seat," Victoria offered, settling herself on a plush velvet armchair. Robert took a seat opposite her, leaning forward with his hands clasped together.
Robert leaned back, absorbing the revelation. "Eve's situation is more complicated than I imagined. She's been doing an incredible job at the company, but it's clear she's carrying a heavy burden."
Victoria nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She is. I love Eve dearly, but this is the reality of our family's legacy."
Robert rose from his seat, feeling the weight of the conversation. "Thank you for explaining, Victoria. I still have many questions, but I'll leave it at that for now."
Victoria stood as well, her composure regained. "Thank you for understanding, Robert. Please, take care of Eve."
With a final nod, Robert made his way back to his car, his mind swirling with thoughts. The drive back to the city felt longer than usual, and as he pulled into the Knight Company parking lot, he knew he had much to ponder. Eve's presence at the company was no longer just about her role; it was about unraveling the complex web of her past and supporting her through the challenges she faced.